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Yes, I have the 95mm rings which you can see in my avatar - I like them. First I didn't like the red color, but now I'm used to it. I initially planned to get them re-anodized in silver, but haven't done that yet.

By the way, there's also the option to upgrade to a 3" Starlight Feather Touch: A30-1903-85 They also have images of an FC-100DC/DC on their website. Note that this upgrade increases weight by about 1kg. The focuser is so smooth that I hardly use the micro focus knob!

Oh I doubt that it will match a C8 and a 120mm refractor. The thing is: manually it is rated 8kg, motorized 6kg. So if you modify it to motorized equatorial you decrease stability. The 100mm equinox might be ok for the APZ but the Advanced Polaris will not be OK. The closest thing to the APZ is an AOK Ayo. Maybe that's something for you?

I have ordered one at opt. What's you requirement with regard to your telescopes and accessories?
I want to use it for a FC-100DL with the SXG HAL-130, but it'll take weeks until I have all bits and pieces of my setup together.

My first refractor was an Orion ED80T, an ED triplet with carbon fiber tube. My second refractor the FC-100DC. At first sight I realized, that the Tak shows a clear textbook Airy disc and that it takes higher magnifications without degradation of the image. The FC-100D has an outstanding contrast that I don't want to miss. With this experience I don't want to go back to low quality optics, but I can't comment on the quality of the Equinox .

Hi Tim, that's it exactly. You can use it like a porta and move the scope freely without clutches. For fine movements you either turn the knobs or, on the motorized axes, you press buttons on the Starbook One.
I just want to make clear, that the FC-100D is at the limit of this mount. With the tripod legs not fully extended it definitely helps. Focusing at 200x needs a fine focus, because of vibrations. I usually sit on an astro-chair to reduce jitter. When you change from a lighter to a larger eyepiece you'll notice that it sags (e.g. when swithing from Tak LE5 to an Ethos 4.7). However, I have had really good observing sessions with this setup, but some of us could be disappointed. An ED81S/SD81S might be a far better match. Before the Tak I had an 80/480 triplet on the mount which was a perfect match. I recently acquired a 150/600 Newton which seems to be a good match for the AP as well. A 4" long focus refractor is definitely not recommended.

I have all three Vixen HR. Comparing the HR 2.4 to the HI-LE 2.8, I found the HR to show the same brightness, despite the 15% smaller exit pupil. They have an outstanding quality. However, I don't use them often, because of their short focal length. Their best use is probably in a small F/4 Newton or astrograph on a tracking mount.

Just for completeness, here's how the Advanced Polaris looks with a Takahashi FC-100D, 2" Diagonal and an Ethos 17mm. That's about the limit of the mount. A sturdier tripod could possibly help.
If you're concerned about the price of it, get a cheap 100° eyepiece clone, or a cheap China ED or whatever...

Hi Dave,
how do you like your HI-LE 3.6 so far? I use mine with my FC-100D on the moon quite often. The views are comparable to the Takahashi Abbe line. Unfortunately, they are not exactly parfocal to the Abbes. Therefore tracking is definitely need ;-)
clear skies,
Marcus